If you’re lucky like me and have lived in Sullivan County for more than a little while, you’ve likely noticed that monthly patterns emerge. Aside from the usual seasons (summer, fall, winter, spring) there are others, often with monikers like National Diabetes Awareness Month (November) and Black History Month (February), and the latter is currently being observed for another few days. 

Before National Nutrition Month takes center stage in March, American Heart Month (also February) has ensued, and each year, Heart Month is observed and supported in Sullivan County by a veritable army of volunteers toiling away for a common cause. Leading the way are the folks from 98.3 WSUL, who have been sponsoring the Heart-A-Thon, which is now in its 48th year.

Partnering with WSUL are the Sullivan County Rotary clubs that sponsor and organize a blood drive and health fair as well as take part in fundraising (c’mon, you’ve seen the hearts everywhere!) for months in advance. 

A quick glance at the WSUL Facebook page also gratefully acknowledges the team at Resorts World Catskills, who not only provide the venue for the Heart-A-Thon, but also donate yearly, and presented a check for $15,000 at the event—which was held this past Friday. 

All told, this year’s Heart-A-Thon brought in $85,000, all of which benefit the “prevention, education and treatment of heart disease in Sullivan County.”

Additionally, the powers that be at WSUL gave deserved shout-outs to “25 committee members, 35 sponsors, 120 heart locations” and “support from every town in Sullivan County.”

In addition to the blood drive, the Rotary Clubs of Sullivan County present a Health and Wellness Fair yearly, which includes dozens of interactive tables hosted by organizations like A Single Bite, New Hope Community, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Sullivan County Public Health and Sullivan 180, to name but a few.

“People truly gave from the heart,” a spokesperson for the Liberty Rotary Club announced online, stating that “despite the less-than-ideal weather, the blood drive, administered by the New York Blood Center, collected nearly 50 pints of blood to help those in need.” These volunteers sure have big hearts—red, pink or otherwise.

Even though I’ve never tasted the cereal, you’d have to “live under a rock” (as Barbara Fox was fond of saying) to not know that aside from pink hearts, blue moons and unicorns (which were added in 2018), green clovers—AKA shamrocks—have been a staple since a certain marshmallow-forward cereal debuted more than 50 years ago. In light of that, it seemed like a natural progression for me to make my way to Hector’s Inn, AKA “the original Woodstock watering hole,” which was hosting a different fundraiser, this time with Hector’s own Bonnie Lagoda. She was hosting a benefit for the Ancient Order of Hibernians, (AOH) an organization that I know virtually nothing about, save for their major presence at the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Jeffersonville, NY. 

So off I went, dog at my side, to schmooze, contribute and ask a few pertinent questions.

Hector’s was hopping when we arrived, and after purchasing raffle tickets, I managed to corral AOH recording secretary James Patrick Graham, Deacon Larry Knack and treasurer Matt McPhilips. 

Thinking myself terribly clever, I asked the gentlemen for answers to some burning questions “before the parade passes by.” 

“OK,” I began, “what is the AOH anyhow? Explain it to me like I’m five.”

“The Ancient Order of Hibernians is an Irish Catholic men’s organization,” Graham said. “We represent the AOH Sullivan Brothers, Division 1, but there’s also an active women’s chapter, known as the LAOH.”

When asked if the AOH sponsors the St. Pat’s parade in Jeff, all three nodded, but were quick to point out that the parade is produced with “a hefty assist from the Jeffersonville Fire Department,” Graham added. “We couldn’t do it without them—they’re a huge part of it.” 

As for this year’s parade, it’s scheduled for Saturday, March 14, with lineup at noon at the corner of Willy Avenue and Route 52, where “anyone who would like to be a part of the parade can register” to be included in the cavalcade. Hmmm. 

“Maybe the River Reporter would like to have a float this year,” Graham said. Thinking I could probably decorate Gidget’s dog stroller (don’t judge!), I grinned. “Sounds like fun,” I said slyly, while making a “note to self.”

When asked what the guys would like River Reporter readers to know about the AOH, each had something to say. 

“So, through fundraisers like this, the organization is able to distribute thousands of dollars a year to those in need right here in Sullivan County,” McPhillips informed me.

When asked who receives assistance, the answers came easily.

“People in need. If someone’s house burns down,” Graham said, “we’re here to help them out.” 

Deacon Knack, who serves as the organization’s chaplain, chimed in. “If there’s a family with a sick child, we’re here. We assist Veterans as well,” he added.

“We’re also one of the main sponsors of Ride to Survive for those who need transportation to various medical centers. We contribute funds if someone is ill and needs transport, or gas money to get to the city, those kinds of things.”

 “At the end of the day,” McPhillips said, “what’s important is that we’re trying to take care of each other. That’s what drew me to the organization. It’s about community, and we’re a bunch of great guys. If you want to join us, please do. You’ll never have a bad time.”

The AOH Sullivan Brothers hosts two fundraisers a year. “We do one in February at a different bar each time,” Graham explained, “to help local businesses mid-winter; and another in September, six months before St. Patrick’s Day.” 

“We’re very fortunate to have a generous community,” McPhillips added. “Aside from keeping the organization running, every cent goes toward helping others in Sullivan County, in addition to yearly donations made to Wounded Warriors each November.”

I thanked the gentlemen for their time, apologizing for taking them away from the boisterous fundraising party taking place in the bar. “I’ll let you all get back to the bagpipers and raffles,” I said, while putting my money where my mouth was. 

Hoping that the guys would be my lucky charms, I fished my wallet out. “I’m hoping for the luck of the Irish to rub off,” I explained, while dropping my tickets into the pot o’ gold at the end of the raffle rainbow. The pot housed scads of tickets dropped in for a chance to win a ginourmous flat screen TV that would look right at home at Camp Fox. 

I didn’t need an excuse to attend, because the Jeffersonville St. Patrick’s Day parade is always on my radar, but they’ll be announcing my winning number during the parade, so mark your calendars to see the expression on my face when I win.

Talk about ancient: Want to make a donation old-school style? Checks can be made out to AOH, Division 1, and sent via snail mail to PO Box 211, Jeffersonville, NY 12748. Gidget and I will see you on Main Street!

Note: The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Sullivan Brothers,  Division 1, is named “in honor of the five Sullivan brothers who died in WWll.” The order focuses on “Irish culture, faith and charity,” with a mission “to promote Irish heritage, unity and friendship, often engaging in community service.” Like ‘em on Facebook for more. 

Fun Fact: “Before The Parade Passes By” is a song featured in the 1964 Broadway musical “Hello Dolly."